Vicente Padilla pitched seven strong innings, Ian Kinsler had three hits and the Texas Rangers beat Toronto 4-1 tonight, handing the Blue Jays their fifth straight home defeat. Padilla allowed one run and seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Rangers outfielder David Murphy went 3-for-4 with three doubles. The last time Toronto dropped five straight at home was April 20-24, 2005.
One night after 16 pitchers were needed for a 14-inning, 4:53 game, this one was gentler on the bullpens. Halladay went the distance for Toronto, while Jamey Wright worked the eighth for Texas before handing it over to C.J. Wilson, who worked the ninth for his fifth save. Halladay lost for the first time in three starts, allowing four runs and 11 hits. (More David Murphy stories.)